As a critical analysis of the law-making process, this book has no equal. For more than two decades it has filled a gap in the requirements of law students and others taking introductory courses on the legal system. It deals with every aspect of the law-making process: the preparation of legislation; its passage through Parliament; statutory interpretation; binding precedent; how precedent works; law reporting; the nature of the judicial role; European Union law; and the process of law reform. It presents a large number of original texts from a variety of sources--cases, official reports, articles, books, speeches and empirical research studies--laced with the author's informed commentary and reflections on the subject. This book is a mine of information dealing with both the broad sweep of the subject and with all its detailed ramifications.

Provides a critical, well-informed analysis of every aspect of the law-making process, focusing on how the system actually works

For almost a quarter of a century the book has been widely regarded as the leading work in its field, used by law students in England and throughout the common law world

Presents a wide range of original texts - cases, official reports, articles, books, speeches and empirical research studies - laced with the author's informed commentary and reflections on the subject

Product details

Table of Contents

Preface to the sixth edition Preface to the first edition Acknowledgments Books, pamphlets, memoranda and articles excerpted Table of cases 1. Legislation - the Whitehall stage 2. Legislation - the Westminster stage 3. Statutory interpretation 4. Binding precedent - the doctrine of stare decisis 5. How precedent works 6. Law reporting 7. The nature of the judicial role in law-making 8. Other sources of law 9. The process of law reform.

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